BE LIKE KENIA

Meet Marie Kenia Seide: Resilience, Grace, and Purpose

Marie Kenia Seide embodies what it means to lead with both purpose and grace. As a 22-year-old aspiring international model, pageant finalist, and future registered nurse originally from Haiti and now based in New York, Marie brings a rare blend of ambition, empathy, and fierce determination to everything she does. Her journey is a testament to the fact that passion knows no boundaries, seamlessly bridging the high-energy world of international fashion and the deeply compassionate field of healthcare.

Her recent debut at the Coast to Coast International Finals—where she clinched 2nd Runner-Up Spokesmodel, became a Lauren Legacy Recipient, and finished as an International Finals Top Finalist—is only the beginning of her incredible trajectory. Beyond the stage and the classroom, Marie channels her rich cultural heritage and dedication to service into uplifting others, whether she is advocating for women and children through her sorority or finding her ultimate emotional release on the dance floor.

Marie’s story is rooted in profound strength, drawn from the incredible sacrifices of her mother and her own unwavering faith. Through every challenge, she continues to prove that obstacles are simply stepping stones toward greatness. Read on for her exclusive insights on balancing two demanding careers, overcoming adversity, and leaving a lasting legacy of hope and compassion.

On Balancing High-Demand Worlds

Transitioning between the high-energy world of international pageantry and the rigorous, science-heavy demands of nursing school takes immense dedication. How do you mentally transition between these two contrasting environments, and what daily habits keep you grounded when both pull at your schedule at once?

People often see pageantry and nursing as two completely different worlds, but to me they have a lot in common. Both require discipline, confidence, compassion, and resilience. When I’m studying, I focus on becoming the best future nurse I can be. When I’m preparing for a pageant, I focus on presenting the best version of myself. It isn’t always easy to balance both, but I stay grounded through prayer, organization, and constantly reminding myself why I started. My faith, my family, and my goals help me stay focused, even when both worlds demand so much of me.

On the Coast to Coast Experience

Winning 2nd Runner-Up Spokesmodel and becoming a Lauren Legacy Recipient at your very first international finals is an incredible milestone. Looking back on that stage, what was the exact moment or thought that helped you channel your nerves into absolute confidence?

Walking onto the international stage for the first time was one of the most nerve-racking moments of my life. Right before I walked out, I told myself, “You already won by having the courage to be here.” That simple thought changed everything. Instead of worrying about being perfect, I focused on being authentic and enjoying the moment. Receiving the titles of 2nd Runner-Up Spokesmodel, Lauren Legacy Recipient, and International Finals Top Finalist was beyond anything I imagined for my first international pageant.

On Motherly Resilience & Inspiration

You’ve shared that your mother is your greatest source of strength and that her journey through a stroke deeply solidified your calling toward healthcare. How has watching her incredible resilience shifted your own definition of strength, both as a future nurse and as a woman in the public eye?

My mother is my greatest inspiration. My father passed away when she was six months pregnant with me, so she raised me on her own with incredible strength and resilience. Watching her recover after suffering a stroke showed me what true courage looks like. She never gave up, even during the hardest moments. That experience changed my definition of strength. Strength isn’t pretending everything is okay it’s continuing to move forward despite life’s challenges. As a future nurse and as a woman, I hope to carry that same resilience into everything I do.

On Healthcare and Compassion

Nursing is as much about emotional endurance as it is about clinical skill. How has your personal experience as a caregiver and daughter shaped the specific kind of nurse you strive to be for your future patients?

My personal experiences have taught me that patients may not always remember every treatment they receive, but they will always remember how you made them feel. I want to be the kind of nurse who listens without judgment, offers comfort during difficult moments, and treats every patient with dignity, compassion, and respect. Caring for someone during one of the most vulnerable moments of their life is a privilege, and I hope every patient I meet feels genuinely cared for.

On Cultural Roots & Sisterhood

Being part of a Haiti-based sorority dedicated to children and women's advocacy speaks volumes about your commitment to your roots. Can you share a specific community initiative or advocacy project you’ve worked on with your sorority sisters that touched your heart the most?

One initiative that has touched my heart the most has been supporting children in Haiti through our sorority’s community outreach and donation efforts. Being part of an organization that focuses on helping children and advocating for women has reminded me that even the smallest acts of kindness can make a meaningful difference. Seeing the impact of our efforts reinforced my belief that serving others isn’t about recognition it’s about bringing hope and reminding people that they are not alone.

On the Runway and Platform Influence

As an aspiring international model and pageant contestant, you occupy a space where image and voice intersect. How do you plan to leverage your growing platform to shift the conversation around causes you care about most, like supporting trauma survivors?

To me, a crown or title is more than recognition it’s a responsibility. I want to use my platform to encourage people, especially survivors, to know that their past does not define their future. My goal is to use my voice to promote healing, resilience, and self-worth while partnering with organizations and initiatives that support survivors. If sharing my journey helps even one person believe in themselves again, then I know I’m making a difference.

On Creative Release Through Dance

With such a packed schedule between studying and working, dance is your ultimate sanctuary. What does a day at your favorite dance studio give your spirit that school and pageantry rehearsal can't quite replicate?

Dance is my therapy. Between nursing school, work, and pageantry, life can become overwhelming. Whenever I finally have a day off, you’ll probably find me at my favorite dance studio dancing my heart out. Dancing allows me to express emotions without saying a single word. It refreshes my mind, lifts my spirit, and reminds me to enjoy the present moment before returning to my responsibilities.

On Overcoming Adversity

Growing up knowing your father passed away before your birth and navigating immigration from Haiti to New York builds a profound foundation of character. What is the most important lesson from your upbringing that you lean on whenever you face a closed door or an unexpected obstacle?

Growing up knowing my father passed away before I was born and later beginning a new chapter in New York taught me that resilience is a choice. Life won’t always go as planned, but I’ve learned that setbacks don’t define who you are your response to them does. Whenever I face a closed door or an unexpected obstacle, I remind myself of everything I’ve already overcome. Every challenge has made me stronger, more determined, and more grateful for the opportunities ahead.

On Legacy and Long-Term Impact

When you look ahead ten years from now—envisioning a life where you are successfully practicing as a Registered Nurse while continuing to grace international stages—what is the primary message or feeling you want people to take away from your journey?

Ten years from now, I hope people remember me not only for the titles I earned but for the lives I touched. Whether I’m caring for patients as a Registered Nurse or standing on an international stage, I want my journey to remind people that dreams are possible regardless of where you come from or the obstacles you’ve faced. I hope my story encourages others to step outside their comfort zones, believe in themselves, and never stop chasing their purpose. If my journey inspires even one person to find the courage to pursue their own dreams, then I will consider my legacy a success.

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